May 2024
Angela Hoffman
hoffmangie@gmail.com
Bio Note: With my retirement from teaching and the pandemic coinciding, I took to writing poetry. My newest interests include playing the ukulele, collaging, and making sourdough bread. My poetry collections include Hold the Contraries, Olly Olly Oxen Free, and Resurrection Lily (Kelsay Books).

Life is Messy

I wake but slide back deep in the nest of sheets, 
wanting to stay a bit longer, 
wondering if I’m ready. 
Am I too fragile for this life? 

Outside my window is an abandoned nest, 
blue eggs broken on the patio below.  
All this failing is a bit much,
but life seems to find a way. 
Yesterday I discovered the robin sitting in a new nest 
on top of the arbor among the pink roses.

Healed

The peony bud closed 
in delicate folds
patiently listens for the call
to open so it might bend in its fullness, 
touch the green fringe of the garment below.

Blush

Oh, those dozen roses blushed with a just a hint of pink
were just what I needed to soften the harshness. 
They were a bit wilted in their vase, but so brave 
to be so tender when all the world is loud,
spewing bold-faced lies, renewing old hates.
I breathe in hope’s fragrance, overpowering 
any stem’s desire to rule with singleness of control.

©2024 Angela Hoffman
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